Recipe: Whole wheat sourdough pancakes

Note: This recipe calls for "ripe" starter -- starter that has been fed the night before (see recipe for whole wheat starter).

9 ounces (about 1 cup) "ripe" whole wheat starter

5 ounces (1 cup) flour

1/2 cup milk

2 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled slightly, plus a little for the pan

2 large eggs

3 tablespoons maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1. In a large bowl, mix together the starter, flour and milk along with one-half cup water until smooth. Let stand 30 minutes while you melt the butter and prepare the other ingredients.

2. Whisk the melted butter, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla, salt and baking soda together until smooth, then stir the mixture into the bowl with the starter. Blend only until combined.

3. Heat a skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat and add a nub of butter. Pour in about one-fourth cup of batter, and cook until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Flip and cook until the bottom of the pancake is slightly browned, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Repeat, adding more butter to the pan if necessary. Serve immediately.